# Configuring Your OpenAI API Key

Louie uses OpenAI's powerful language models to provide AI-driven data analysis and conversational features. To enable these capabilities, you'll need to configure your OpenAI API key.

## Step 1: Get Your OpenAI API Key

First, you'll need to create an API key from OpenAI:

1. Visit [OpenAI's Platform](https://platform.openai.com)
2. Sign up or sign in to your account
3. Navigate to **API Keys** in your account settings
4. Click **Create new secret key**
5. Give your key a descriptive name (e.g., "Louie Desktop")
6. **Copy the generated key to your clipboard** - you won't be able to see it again

**Important:** Keep your API key secure and never share it publicly.

## Step 2: Add Your API Key to Louie

Once you have your API key copied to your clipboard, configure it in Louie:

1. Click **Agent Config** in the bottom left corner of Louie

   ![Agent Config Button](./images/user/082_step1_agent_config.png)

2. Click **OpenAI** from the configuration options

   ![OpenAI Option](./images/user/082_step2_openai.png)

3. Click **New Configuration** on the modal that appears

   ![New Configuration Button](./images/user/082_step3_new_config.png)

4. Enter your API key in the credentials field (paste from clipboard)

   ![Enter Credentials](./images/user/082_step4_enter_credentials.png)

5. Click **Save** to complete the configuration

Your OpenAI API key is now configured and ready to use!

## Understanding OpenAI Usage and Billing

OpenAI charges based on your API usage:

- **Token-based billing** - Costs are calculated based on input and output tokens
- **Monitor your usage** - Check your [OpenAI dashboard](https://platform.openai.com/usage) regularly
- **Set up billing** - Add payment information at [OpenAI Billing](https://platform.openai.com/billing)

## Troubleshooting

### Invalid API Key
If you receive an "Invalid API Key" error:
- Verify you copied the entire key
- Check that the key hasn't been revoked in your OpenAI account
- Ensure there are no extra spaces or characters
- Generate a new key if needed

### Rate Limit Errors
If you encounter rate limiting:
- Wait a few minutes and try again
- Check your OpenAI usage tier
- Consider upgrading your OpenAI plan

### Insufficient Credits
If you see "Insufficient credits" errors:
- Add payment information to your OpenAI account
- Set up a billing plan
- Check your billing settings at [OpenAI Billing](https://platform.openai.com/billing)

## Next Steps

- Connect Your Data Sources
- Start Your First Analysis
- Explore AI-Powered Features

## Additional Resources

- [OpenAI API Documentation](https://platform.openai.com/docs)
- [OpenAI Pricing](https://openai.com/pricing)
- [Best Practices for API Key Management](https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/safety-best-practices)